A New Definition of Compassion

Compassion is a human trait that is increasingly being recognized as a key predictor of health, happiness, and social well-being. It can increase social connections, improve relationships, and protect interpersonal bonds. It can also lead to a sense of wellbeing and peace.

Despite this growing interest, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of compassion and few psychometrically robust measurement tools available. This has serious implications for scientific inquiry and the implementation of compassion-enhancing interventions.

A review of the literature reveals that there is a wide range of conceptualizations and definitions in the field of compassion, many of which overlap (e.g., a combination of empathy and kindness). The authors suggest a new definition consisting of five elements that refer to both self- and other-compassion: Recognizing suffering; Understanding the universality of suffering in human experience; Feeling empathy for the person suffering and connecting with the distress (emotional resonance); Tolerating uncomfortable feelings aroused in response to the suffering; And/or Acting or being motivated to act to alleviate suffering.

This definition of compassion reflects the broad range of literature and includes both the traditional view that it involves empathy for another person’s plight, as well as more recent perspectives emphasizing the importance of being aware of how you are feeling. This new perspective argues that empathy is a mental, rather than an emotional, process.

While some of these aspects may be elicited through the practice of mindfulness, others require more direct engagement with the suffering of others. For example, being attentive to another person’s feelings can be achieved through nonverbal cues, such as a handshake, eye contact, or establishing physical contact.

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that requires the conscious observation of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. This allows us to better understand our emotions, as well as the feelings of others.

The ability to be compassionate and to empathize with people’s suffering can help us reduce stress and depression, heal wounds, and build stronger relationships. It can also enhance our physical health, including lowering blood pressure and increasing immunity.

It can also boost your personal reputation, as evidenced by studies that show that giving to charity increases the level of social bonding among individuals and inspires others to do the same. This phenomenon is known as “elevation.”

Compassion is not a one-time thing; it can be practiced continuously. It can be expressed by simple gestures such as a warm smile, a pat on the back, or holding hands when listening to someone share their sorrows.

You can also show compassion to yourself by practicing positive self-talk. Saying things such as, "I am a good person," or "I am a great parent," helps you reframe your thoughts and feelings in ways that are more supportive of your overall happiness and wellbeing.

In addition, you can try meditating and imagining the suffering of others. Practicing compassion can be helpful for managing stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as improving your relationships with friends, family members, and co-workers.

Despite this growing interest, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of compassion and few psychometrically robust measurement tools available. This has serious implications for scientific inquiry and the implementation of compassion-enhancing interventions.

A review of the literature reveals that there is a wide range of conceptualizations and definitions in the field of compassion, many of which overlap (e.g., a combination of empathy and kindness). The authors suggest a new definition consisting of five elements that refer to both self- and other-compassion: Recognizing suffering; Understanding the universality of suffering in human experience; Feeling empathy for the person suffering and connecting with the distress (emotional resonance); Tolerating uncomfortable feelings aroused in response to the suffering; And/or Acting or being motivated to act to alleviate suffering.

This definition of compassion reflects the broad range of literature and includes both the traditional view that it involves empathy for another person’s plight, as well as more recent perspectives emphasizing the importance of being aware of how you are feeling. This new perspective argues that empathy is a mental, rather than an emotional, process.

While some of these aspects may be elicited through the practice of mindfulness, others require more direct engagement with the suffering of others. For example, being attentive to another person’s feelings can be achieved through nonverbal cues, such as a handshake, eye contact, or establishing physical contact.

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that requires the conscious observation of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. This allows us to better understand our emotions, as well as the feelings of others.

The ability to be compassionate and to empathize with people’s suffering can help us reduce stress and depression, heal wounds, and build stronger relationships. It can also enhance our physical health, including lowering blood pressure and increasing immunity.

It can also boost your personal reputation, as evidenced by studies that show that giving to charity increases the level of social bonding among individuals and inspires others to do the same. This phenomenon is known as “elevation.”

Compassion is not a one-time thing; it can be practiced continuously. It can be expressed by simple gestures such as a warm smile, a pat on the back, or holding hands when listening to someone share their sorrows.

You can also show compassion to yourself by practicing positive self-talk. Saying things such as, "I am a good person," or "I am a great parent," helps you reframe your thoughts and feelings in ways that are more supportive of your overall happiness and wellbeing.

In addition, you can try meditating and imagining the suffering of others. Practicing compassion can be helpful for managing stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as improving your relationships with friends, family members, and co-workers.